Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association (WPHCA) celebrates the efforts of Rock River Community Clinic and Muslim Community and Health Center for earning the federal designation as “Look-Alike” Community Health Centers.
Through granting Look-Alike designations, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration recognizes that applicants meet all requirements of Federally Qualified Health Centers, such as providing services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and establishing a
patient-majority Board of Directors. Like all Community Health Centers, Look-Alikes are non-profits that provide primary and preventative health care services, including offering care for uninsured and underinsured individuals according to a sliding fee scale.
“WPHCA enthusiastically welcomes Wisconsin’s first two Look-Alikes to the Community Health Center family and we are excited about the opportunity to grow the Health Center movement in Wisconsin,” said Stephanie Harrison, CEO, Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association.
Arman Tahir, CEO, Muslim Community and Health Center: “Becoming a Look-Alike Health Center will help MCHC grow our services, take advantage of federal resources, and increase access to culturally appropriate care in Milwaukee.” MCHC offers primary care and behavioral health services to Milwaukee’s south side, including through the Sakina Senior Center and Refugee Resource Center according to the Muslim values of compassion, peace, kindness, and diversity. Look-Alike status was granted to MCHC on August 1, 2022.
Rock River, based out of Whitewater, has provided care for underinsured and uninsured individuals through an integrated, community-based health care model since 2005 as three independent free and charitable clinics. After consolidating efforts in 2020, Rock River Community Clinic was granted status as a Federally Qualified Health Center “Look-Alike” on December 1, 2022. “We’re thrilled to have received Look-Alike designation to help us stretch scarce resources, stabilize our efforts, and progress our goal of increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare in our shared community,” shared Olivia Nichols, CEO/Executive Director, Rock River Community Clinic.
